9 killed, 14 injured in Bhilai steel plant blast

Bhopal: At least nine workers were killed and 14 others injured in a blast in Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)-promoted Bhilai steel plant in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, police said.

Union steel minister Chaudhary Birender Singh has sought a report on the incident form the plant authorities.

The explosion took place during maintenance work on a gas pipeline connected to the coke oven section of the plant in Bhilai town, around 30 km away from the Chhattisgarh capital Raipur, said inspector general of police (Durg range) G.P. Singh.

Sources said that the death toll may mount as at least four of the injured continue to be in critical condition.

According to preliminary information, over 24 employees were working at the spot when the accident occurred, said Mr Singh.

After the loud explosion, police personnel and a rescue team rushed to the spot and all victims were taken to hospital, he said.

This was the second major mishap in the steel facility in the last four years. In June 2014, six employees were killed in an explosion in the blast furnace in the plant.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated an expanded facility in the plant in June this year.

The Bhilai steel plant is India’s sole producer and supplier of world class rails for the Indian Railways, including 260 meter long rails.